Italy and Turkiye entered the Olympics as both the last two Volleyball Nations League champions and teams seeking their first Olympic medal in women's volleyball.
Both have recently become powerhouses in the sport and were looking to cement themselves among the world's elite teams.
They met earlier in the tournament in pool play and Italy absolutely dominated in a straight-sets win, and the story was the same Thursday. The Italians cruised in three sets to guarantee themselves a first ever Olympic medal. They will hope to make it gold against Team USA.
Set 1 — Italy 25, Turkiye 22
It was Turkiye that got off to a fast start early, taking a 9-6 lead, but Italy quickly answered back and took control of the set late.
The Italians did it by jumping on the back of Paola Egonu, who made a statement with an 11-point first set on 11/16 swings. The Italian star was nearly unstoppable and she carried her team to what turned into a comfortable 25-22 win.
Set 2 — Italy 25, Turkiye 19
Italy imposed its will in the second set with a dominant 25-19 victory. Egonu added six points and, though she was much less efficient (just 4/11 swings), the team did enough on offense around her to make things easy in the second set.
At this point, a repeat of the pool play matchup between these teams looked on. Italy was flying and Turkiye simply had no answers for Egonu and the Italian attack.
Set 2 — Italy 25, Turkiye 22
Up against the ropes, Turkiye had the early advantage in the third set and held a comfortable lead throughout the middle part of the set.
The Turks held an 18-15 lead when everything changed. Italy chipped away and tied the set at 20, then took off running from there. Italy went on a 10-4 run the rest of the way to finish off Turkiye earn their place in the gold medal match.
Egonu was tremendous in the third, scoring seven points, but it was Sarah Luisa Fahr who really shined. She scored seven of her nine points in the third set, and did it on 3/4 swings with four blocks.
Italy was just simply too much to handle, and overpowered Turkey on its way to its first ever Olympic final.
What's Next?
The stage is all set for a showdown between Italy and Team USA in the gold medal match Sunday at 7 a.m. ET.
Turkiye will take its shot at a first ever Olympic medal Saturday at 11:15 a.m. against Brazil.